Last Friday night at the Tournament Capital Centre, the men’s volleyball team swept off the Mount Royal Cougars. With a couple of close sets, the WolfPack hunted down the Cougars, securing a victory that bumped their win-loss record for the season to 6-12.
The rebound was precisely what the ‘Pack needed after last weekend’s loss to the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.
TRU started the game strong, building momentum early with two separate 4-0 runs. Setter Walker Sodaro earned 11 assists, playing a crucial role in the ‘Pack’s 17-12 advantage. Later, the Cougars would strike back, mounting a defence that gave them nine kills throughout the period. Nevertheless, TRU owned the first set, 25-18.
Throughout the second set, both teams jockeyed for the advantage, with the Cougars gaining an early 6-3 lead; however, Rylan Ibbetson recorded an ace, followed by Sam Flowerday with two kills, equalizing the score at 9-9. By the end of the set, the score was sat at 22-22, with neither side conceding an inch. The end of the second set saw the ‘Pack leading the Cougars, 27-25.
The third set was as intense as the second. The away team went for a 6-0 run, earning a 10-7 lead. TRU regrouped, taking an 18-17 lead before extending it to 23-19. After multiple set points, MRU equaled the score to 24-24. However, Flowerday showed a great performance by scoring an ace and getting the ‘Pack a 27-25 win.
WolfPack is still looking for their spot in the playoffs, tying with Mount Royal in the USports standings.